Method for the preparation of implants made of titanium or alloys thereof

Abstract

The invention relates to a method for treating the surface of surgical implants made of titanium or a titanium alloy, for instance dental implants, before implantation in bone tissue. The method results in a roughened exterior implant surface and at the same time a cleaning action is obtained, should there be any contaminants. The surface is blasted with particles of an oxide of titanium, preferably titanium dioxide. In this way an implant having an improved retention in bone tissue is obtained. The Blasted implant is used in a method for treating toothlessness.

I claim: 
     
       1. An implant having a contaminant-free surface produced by the process of blasting the surface with particles of titanium oxide, wherein the surface is free from any contaminants after it has been blasted. 
     
     
       2. An implant comprising titanium or an alloy thereof and having a contaminant-free surface, said implant produced by the process of blasting the surface with particles of titanium oxide, wherein the surface is free from any contaminants after it has been blasted. 
     
     
       3. The implant of claim 2, wherein the particles are titanium dioxide. 
     
     
       4. The implant of claims 2 or 3, wherein the particles have a size in the range of 1 to 2000 μm. 
     
     
       5. The implant of claim 4, wherein the particles have a size in the range of 1 to 300 μm. 
     
     
       6. The implant of claim 5, wherein the particles have a size in the range of 1 to 50 μm.